Construction work is continuing on the new Thomson-McDuffie Government and Judicial Center near the intersection of Railroad and Greenway streets in Thomson.

Already, workers are busy putting up on concrete blocks and steel beams - a process that will keep them busy for many more weeks.

The building, which will become the new home to city and county government offices, as well McDuffie County Superior Court and McDuffie County Probate Court, is taking shape.

"It's great to see our new building coming up down there," Thomson Mayor Kenneth Usry said. "I think it will be something all of us in Thomson and McDuffie County will be proud of once it is completed and we've moved into it."

Jud Bryant, program manager of the project, discussed some other details related to the joint government and judicial center during last Wednesday's county commission meeting. Mr. Bryant had briefed commissioners about the upgrades during their work session held two nights earlier.

One of his chief topics concerned additional parking.

Commissioners approved additional staff parking in the northeast portion of the complex, as well as additional public parking in the southwest portion.

Mr. Bryant explained that there also will be a new access road has been cut leading into the complex off Greenway Street.

In addition, Mr. Bryant announced that he recently had received a warrantee letter from Gold Mechanical, of Augusta.

The firm agreed to provide three year parts and labor warranty on all major pieces of mechanical equipment. They also agreed to perform maintenance on all major pieces of equipment.

They agreed to several other things as well, according to a letter received from Gold Mechanical Project Manager Cal Smith.

Mr. Bryant also shared with commissioners the latest figures from R.W. Allen concerning the Contingency Report related to the government/judicial center. The estimated amount for next month's contingency was listed at $917,279.